plotlines
Narrative paths followed
Plotlines are the main threads of narrative in a story—the sequences of events that drive the action forward.
A novel might weave multiple plotlines together: The show juggles three plotlines that converge in the finale.
In episodic television, plotlines may span a single episode or an entire season.
Critics and audiences discuss whether plotlines resolve satisfyingly or feel rushed.
Curved line segment
- protagonistStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
conflict · exposition · denouement · foreshadowing · backstory · character development · theme · motif
Opposition between parties
- tensionStretched or strained state
- tragedyDisastrous or sorrowful event
- stakesPosts or wagers
- catharsisPurification through emotional expression
pathos · empathy · struggle · redemption · sacrifice · betrayal · rivalry · romance
Surprising disclosed truth
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- subversionUndermining established authority
cliffhanger · shock · turning point · unexpected · irony · complication · suspense · pivotal
Hiding wrongdoing from public
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- cabalScheming political faction
- secretsConcealed information
- whistleblowerInsider who reports misconduct
clandestine · undercover · infiltration · collusion · shadowy · covert · intrigue · machination
arc
Curved line segment
- protagonistStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
resolution · conflict · exposition · denouement · foreshadowing · backstory · character development · theme · motif · interweaving
conflict
Opposition between parties
catharsis · pathos · empathy · struggle · redemption · sacrifice · betrayal · rivalry · romance · revenge
revelation
Surprising disclosed truth
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
subversion · cliffhanger · shock · turning point · unexpected · irony · complication · suspense · pivotal · epiphany
cover-up
Hiding wrongdoing from public
whistleblower · clandestine · undercover · infiltration · collusion · shadowy · covert · intrigue · machination · mastermind
plotlinesdialogue
Spoken exchange between parties
setting · characterization · atmosphere · description · exposition
plotlinesplotlessness
Lack of narrative structure
formlessness · aimlessness · randomness · incoherence · anti-narrative